For most of her life, Maud Lewis lived in a pint-sized, one-room house near Digby, Nova Scotia, with no running water or electricity. The 10-by-9-foot cottage became her canvas, and she painted almost everything.
Birds and butterflies fluttered across the door. Vibrant flowers covered the windows, the walls, cupboards, the little staircase leading to the sleeping loft, the woodstove, and the breadbox. Even the dustpan was covered in daisies.
Maud never traveled more than sixty miles in any direction from home. She never saw another artist’s work and never attended an art class. Her paintings captured a simple life filled with the beauty and joy she saw around her. Working with leftover house paint and scrap wood did not diminish her enthusiasm. Her paintings show no rain clouds or dark shadows. Instead, they are filled with sunshine, serene landscapes, whimsical animals, and calm seascapes.
Maud’s exuberant style may be surprising, given the difficulties she faced. She had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which gave her a tiny frame, hunched shoulders, a chin that pressed into her chest, and gnarled hands. She also lived with very limited financial resources.
How could someone live in poverty with crippling arthritis for more than thirty years and still produce the most cheerful artwork?
You could say her life was defined by the words of an old hymn, “Brighten the corner where you are.”
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar,
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar;</em
Brighten the corner where you are!
(Ina D. Ogdon, 1913)
Maud did not need to travel the world to make a difference. She simply brought beauty to the little corner of the world God had given her.
Paul followed a similar approach to life. From the confinement of a prison cell, he wrote:
“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:11-13, ESV).
Paul’s circumstances did not determine his contentment. His relationship with Jesus did.
We can easily fall into the trap of thinking our lives will become meaningful when our circumstances change. When we have more time. More money. Better health. A different job. A larger platform. When we finally reach the place we have been praying for.
But what if God is inviting us to brighten the corner we’re in?
There is ministry in the ordinary. There is purpose in the little things. A kind word, a faithful prayer, a welcoming smile, a meal prepared, or simply bringing joy into a difficult room can brighten the corner we’re in.
We do not have to wait for a bigger opportunity to live a meaningful life. We can be faithful with what is already in our hands.
today’s more to life moment
Take a moment to look at the “corner” where God has placed you right now. What people, responsibilities, opportunities, or ordinary moments are already within your reach?
You may not be able to change your circumstances today, but you can choose how you respond. You can pray. You can serve. You can encourage. You can love. You can brighten your corner.
Prayer
Jesus, thank you for reminding me that my purpose doesn’t depend on perfect circumstances. Help me to see the opportunities You have placed right in front of me. Teach me to be faithful in the ordinary things and to bring Your light, love, and joy into every corner of my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL WAS WRITTEN BY JULIE LONG.
